Search

The primary purpose of the Icelandic version of the agricultural OiRA tool is to help farmers to improve their working conditions and minimise risk at the farm. It is easy to use, free and open to all. With OiRA, users get a tool in their hands that helps them to assess the risks in their own work environment. The tool evaluates the risks and returns the results in a report that is only to be seen and used by the farmer or workers at the farm. The tool sets out proposals and examples of improvements in the working environment. There are also references to laws and regulations, number of images for explanation and links to more informative material. Emphasis is placed on fire and accident prevention and handling of machines. Health factors are assessed and risk by infectious diseases is discussed. The general condition of the farm is assessed since it is a part of potential risk factors which have to be taken into consideration. Also included are tips for prevention of accidents related to work with animals, reduce workload on back and joints and instructions to eliminate fall risks. Proper health and safety risk assessments done with the Oira tool, can prevent many accidents and help the employer to find proper solutions.

The agricultural sector has high levels of occupational accidents throughout the Portuguese territory, consisting mainly of small farms. Accidents generally occur due to improper machinery, unprotected moving parts, overconfidence of operators, lack of proper training and disregard for the correct use of safety devices and safety instructions provided by manufacturers. In addition, workers in the sector are subject to various risks related to the lack of use of appropriate protective equipment, the handling of hazardous chemicals, high physical effort and adverse environmental conditions, among others. Correct risk assessment of existing hazards using this tool can prevent many of them and help the employer implement the appropriate solutions for their elimination / control.

The agricultural sector is one of the most dangerous sectors having high figures on accidents at work. Accidents often occur due to inappropriate machinery, unprotected parts of the machinery, not preventing workers from entering hazardous areas etc. Employees assigned to work with agricultural machinery are often not trained properly about safety and health at work and are not aware of the safety and health requirements set by the equipment manufacturer for the operation of the equipment. in addition people working in the sector are facing risks related to dealing with dangerous substances, high physical workload because of manual handling, etc. Proper health and safety risk assessments done with this tool, can prevent many of these risks and help the employer to find proper solutions.

This tool deals with agriculture which can be characterized by a huge amount of various risk factors - contact with animals, work with heavy agricultural equipment, exposure to various chemicals, seasonal work, prolonged working hours etc. It starts with the identification of hazards and assesses the level of risk, then it allows end-users to choose the most suitable preventive actions to eliminate or reduce risk. Also included are tips for prevention of accidents related to work with animals, reduce workload on back and joints, implement fire safety principles and eliminate fall risks. This tool is an easy way to improve working conditions of agricultural workers. Using this tool can contribute to keep them healthy, motivated and with good work ability.

The tool covers the following modules: OSH Management; Work premises and flooring; Electrical safety; Emergency management and fire safety; Physical and chemical factors of the working environment; Work with hazardous substances; Biological agents in the working environment; Factors of the work process; Fixed work equipment and high-risk equipment; Operation of mobile agricultural machinery and self-propelled machinery; Warehouses and handling operations; Internal company transport; Outdoor activities; Work in explosive atmospheres; Work in greenhouses; Repair and maintenance of agricultural machinery, plant and motor vehicles; Working with mechanical, agricultural and motor-operated electric tools; Work with bees; Office work.

The tool covers the following modules: Noise; Vibrations; Accelerations; Lighting on the flight deck; Electricity and static electricity; Cosmic radiation (ionizing radiation); Non-Ionizing radiation (radio transmissions and microwaves); Organisational setting and social environment; Mental stress; Biological and chemical environment.